Deel’s Communications Chief Exits Amid Rippling Spying Lawsuit: Major Shakeup in Tech Industry
Elisabeth Diana, the former head of communications at Deel, has recently exited the company, as confirmed by her LinkedIn profile. This news comes amidst a turbulent time for Deel, which has faced serious allegations regarding corporate espionage involving rival company Rippling.
Elisabeth Diana’s Departure from Deel
According to a report by Bloomberg, Elisabeth Diana has resigned from her position at Deel. Her LinkedIn profile indicates that she joined the company in November 2021 and concluded her tenure in April 2025. Prior to her role at Deel, Diana held significant positions at Instagram and Facebook, where she served as head of communications.
Company Statement on Diana’s Resignation
In a formal statement, Deel expressed gratitude for Diana’s contributions, stating, “We are grateful for the work Elisabeth did while at Deel and wish her the best in her next endeavor.”
The Lawsuit Against Deel by Rippling
Rippling, a well-known workforce management platform, has been in the headlines for filing a lawsuit against Deel. The lawsuit, announced on March 17, accuses Deel of serious allegations, including:
- Violation of the RICO racketeering act
- Misappropriation of trade secrets
- Unfair competition
Initially, the identity of the employee involved in the alleged spying was not disclosed. However, on April 2, Rippling released an affidavit from the employee, Keith O’Brien, which appeared to back up their allegations.
Details of the Allegations
The specifics of O’Brien’s account have drawn attention, presenting a narrative reminiscent of a corporate espionage thriller, complete with dramatic elements like a sting operation and a damaged phone.
The Future of Deel
Deel, which was last valued at $12.6 billion, now faces an uncertain future. The startup has attracted investments from notable firms such as General Catalyst, Andreessen Horowitz, Spark Capital, and Y Combinator. Just two months ago, Deel was reportedly considering an entry into public markets.
Deel’s Response to the Lawsuit
In response to Rippling’s lawsuit, Deel has issued a statement categorically denying any legal wrongdoing. The company claims that Rippling is attempting to “shift the narrative” away from accusations that it violated Russian sanctions.
This article has been updated to include the latest statement regarding Elisabeth Diana’s departure from Deel. For more insights on corporate communications and the evolving landscape of workplace management, check out our related articles on corporate communications and workforce management strategies.
